UEL 2022-23: Sporting CP vs Arsenal: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Gunners will face off against Leoes in the 1st leg of their Europa League Round of 16 match at Jose Alvalade Stadium on Thursday.

Sporting is in excellent form leading up to this match, having won their last four games across all competitions. Their recent victories include a noteworthy 4-0 triumph against FC Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League playoff and a 1-0 win against Portimonense last weekend, which marked manager Ruben Amorim's 100th win for the club in all competitions.

After staging an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit, Arsenal come into their Thursday night match against Sporting CP in high spirits. Their 3-2 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League was a thrilling display of determination and skill, allowing them to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. With this victory under their belts, the Gunners will be looking to carry their momentum forward and continue their winning ways in the Europa League.

Kick-off:

Thursday, 09-03-2023; 05:45 pm (GMT), 11:15pm (IST)

Sporting CP form (all competition): W-W-W-W-D

Arsenal form (all competition): W-W-W-W-L

Player to watch

Sporting CP: Pedro Goncalves

Undoubtedly, Pedro Goncalves is the most lethal player in the Sporting CP squad. He has scored 12 goals in Liga Portugal and created six assists, making him their leading scorer. With 18 goal involvements, Goncalves is by far the most influential player for Sporting. He demonstrated his abilities with two goals in the Europa League second leg against Midtjylland, which sealed the victory for Sporting. He will be looking to add more goals to his tally against Arsenal.

Arsenal: Bukayo Saka

Having already scored 11 goals and provided 9 assists this season, the winger has been a standout performer for the Gunners. He has also scored 3 goals in his last 5 matches, and his form will be crucial for Arsenal's success. With his exceptional speed and dribbling skills, he is a challenging player for defenders to handle and is expected to cause problems for the Sporting defenders.

Match Facts

• This will be the fifth meeting between Arsenal and Sporting CP in the European competition, with the Gunners yet to lose or concede a goal in the previous four.
• Arsenal are unbeaten in six previous meetings with Portuguese opponents in the UEFA Europa League.
• Sporting CP have progressed from each of their previous six ties against English sides in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup/Europa League

Team & Injury News

Mohamed Elneny underwent knee surgery and will be out for an extended period of time, while Gabriel Jesus is getting closer to a return but won't be ready for this match. Eddie Nketiah may start if he is fit to play, while Leandro Trossard is expected to miss out with a groin injury sustained during the Bournemouth game. If Tierney receives a yellow card, he will be suspended for the 2nd leg.

On the other hand Sporting's Daniel Braganca is suffering from a Cruciate Ligament injury, which is a long-term concern for the team. If Coates, Esgaio, Morita, or Reis receive a yellow card, they will be suspended for the 2nd leg.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches: 4

Sporting CP: 0

Arsenal: 2

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups

Sporting CP predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Adan; Diomande, Coates, Goncalo Inacio; Esgaio, Morita, Ugarte, Nuno Santos ; Edwards, Pedro Gonçalves, Paulinho

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Ødegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Match Prediction

Based on their recent performances and the quality of their players, it is expected that Arsenal will control the ball and secure a close victory in this match.

Prediction: Sporting CP  1 – 2 Arsenal

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network, JIO TV and Sony LIV

UK – BT Sport

US – Paramount+

Nigeria –  SuperSport 3